Josh Willingham and Kevin Correia have been big league regulars for nearly a decade apiece. Neither has ever participated in the postseason, and until a few days ago it looked like neither would sniff the playoffs this year with the Twins.
But suddenly via trades — Willingham to the suddenly hot Royals and Correia to the Dodgers — both have the postseason in their sights.
The Royals have won eight in a row and moved past the slumping Tigers into first place in the AL Central on Monday. Correia made his Dodgers debut on the same night, pitching six innings of one-run ball to get the win.
It must be a completely difference scene from what either player has experienced in his career-to-date. Correia pitched for some bad Giants, Padres, Pirates and, yes, Twins teams. Willingham was with the Marlins, Washington, Oakland (they were 74-88 in his one season) and since 2012 with the Twins.
Usually this is the time of year both can settle in and play out the string. Instead, they both will find themselves in the heat of pennant races.
